SANDRA GIDLEY JOINS FIGHT FOR LOCAL HEROS

12.00.00am GMT Mon 12th Nov 2007

Local MP Sandra Gidley has attacked the Government, for not doing more to support armed forces personnel and their families, by signing an EDM backing the Royal British Legion's military covenant campaign

The 'Military Covenant', which is acknowledged by all services, enshrines the promise of the nation to help and support people in the armed services in return for the those service people putting themselves at risk for the country.

The British Legion's campaign specifically calls for a just compensation scheme for servicemen and women, more support for the physical and mental health of servicemen and women and their families and more support for bereaved service families

Sandra Gidley MP said:

"Every Wednesday at the beginning of Prime Ministers question time the Prime Minister reads out the names of those people killed in combat. If we are asking men and women to put themselves at risk for their country, the least that we can do is ensure that there is a proper support system in place for them and their family.

"I wholeheartedly support the British Legion's 'Honour the Covenant' campaign which calls for greater support and improved services for servicemen and women and their families.

"With present commitments demanding more of our armed forces we see repeated evidence of severe overstretch and shortages in essential equipment.

"The Government must bring forward proposals for a more generous compensation scheme for injured service people, improve the level of healthcare available, especially to those with mental health problems, and offer more support to the bereaved families of service people.

"Our area has a proud tradition of service in the armed forces and we particularly remember the service men and women currently in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere - we should not deny them the best services and support possible.

"I was at the remembrance parade on Sunday which was attended by many local veterans and also an unprecedented number of members of the public, it was a humbling experience and shows why it is important that parliamentarians acknowledge and honour those who have fought for their country